In the morning, the remnants of yesterday’s campfire still coagulate. We are driving with a guide who first explains that he is suffering from typhoid fever in the direction of the rock-hewn churches of Hawzien.
The first of the churches we reach, now with a healthy, different guide, after about 10 kilometers drive on a dirt road, which is being prepared for the asphalt coating. Accordingly, we have to drive bumpy detours again and again.
Was it worth it? The opinions are divided…
The church carved out of the rock (you have know it, of course, in order to recognise it …) is a more or less dark hole. Originally it was created in the 4th century as a tomb. There is another church, next door, which was conventionally built in the 19th century. There the priest shows us the holy of holies, the place of storage of the (copy of) the Ark of the Covenant.
The third church, we visit, is located near the town of Wukro. The town stands out due to a complete overflowing construction activity. A whole district consists only of concrete shell buildings.
The third church is also worked out of the rock, which you only recognize when you are inside and look at the window.
Unfortunately, we nether had the time nor the energie to visit one of the remote rock-hewn churches, mainly situated on top of a mountain plateau. The are only reachable by climbing with rope and ledders.
Then it goes back to the national road 2, which leads to Mek’ele on to Dessei and Addis.
Mek’ele we see first from the top – a large, extended city. But more tomorrow.
